Sleekwing’s muzzle hit Baird’s shoulder true, with the expert practice of a well tried warrior. As the apprentice jumped away he took note of exactly where his teacher’s fangs would have hit. He calculated the damage that could have been done. His shoulder would have ripped, making movement painful and given him a limp. Had the blow gone higher and made contact with his spine and teeth ripped through flesh it would have crippled both his legs, limiting their movement. While he catalogued the damage that could have occurred, he listened with one ear to Sleekwing on how to prevent such an injury. His tail wagged once in a silent thank you, showing his understood. At once he obeyed and pulled his head in, protecting the vital jugular that would end a fight as well as a life.

While Sleekwing spoke, every sense was trained on his master. Everything from the wind brushing the heather fur to the twitch of muscle under the wolf’s skin was scrutinized and accounted for when trying to judge the next attack. Sleek described the usual tactics of larger wolves and just before he rushed forward, Baird realized the mistake of his position. He had lowered himself too far to be able to spring to the side of run with any efficiency. The snow underneath him would have tried to swallow him if he pushed off from it, even after he had packed it down. Had Sleekwing been one of the giants they spoke off, Baird would have been a bit unnerved by the barrelling approach of such a mass. His comfort with the trainer allowed him to think clearly and just as the Castilian was upon him, the mahogany boy rolled to the side, under the attack and effectively dodging it. His second mistake was the unpacked snow he rolled into attempting to hold him down as he struggled to roll back to his feet. Once more his mind raced through the successes and failures of his tactic. Had Sleekwing been less light on his feet, Baird believed he could have been able to get to his feet fast enough under better conditions. The tactic was dependent on who exactly he was fighting at the time. There was a chance he could train more speed into the move in case he needed to use it in an emergency situation.

As Sleekwing backed up, giving Baird plenty of time to return to his solid stance. He smirked in response to the question, turning the scenario around. Let them waste their energy. Baird shifted just so he could stand in a solid defensive stance. His head was lowered over his throat, his teeth bared in mock challenge, showing he would be more than willing to bite this fabricated smaller opponent. They can run around me all they want. If they get too close I use my size for the single attack and put my force behind that. Save my energy, use theirs. He lifted his head a little, his tail starting to wag more excitedly. The opportunity to learn, spar, and move gave him life and energy. He was eager to begin his work and protect his pack with Sleekwing’s seal of approval. Shaking his head, he lowered his cranium defensively again, waiting to see if there would be another attack he had to defend.